Pauline Njoroge Slams Linda Party Registration as Insult to Kenyans’ Intelligence

Communication strategist Pauline Njoroge has condemned the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) following its approval of the Liberty National Democratic Alliance (LINDA) Party, calling it an “incompetent” attempt to derail the movement’s registration efforts .

The approval of LINDA Party comes just days after the ORPP delayed a decision on the Linda Mwananchi movement’s name reservation application, reigniting accusations of political interference ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

The new party’s branding, including podiums bearing Kenyan flags and banners mirroring the movement’s style has fuelled suspicions that the registration was strategically timed to create confusion.

“This administration is incompetent in every way. They could not even find a more convincing ‘LINDA PARTY’ owner,” Njoroge said in a strongly worded statement. “And shouldn’t this particular party be abbreviated as ‘LNDA’? Besides, our LINDA is not even an abbreviation. It’s a Kiswahili word.” Njoroge dismissed explanations from the Registrar’s office, insisting that the movement will not be deterred by what she termed “flimsy excuses” .

“These people should not insult the intelligence of Kenyans. Linda Mwananchi is our movement, and we will get our name!” she declared. “After all, we have Ford Kenya and Ford Asili, Kenya National Congress and Kenya African National Union. So, we will not buy flimsy excuses as to why the ORPP is refusing to reserve our name” .

The dispute now involves three competing claims over the “Linda” political brand. The Linda Mwananchi movement, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has been pushing for formal registration following its split from ODM . However, the ORPP initially rejected an application by promoter Charles Wanyonyi to reserve the name “Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya” in March, citing similarities with reserved slogans and public interest concerns under Section 8 of the Political Parties Act. 

On August 4, Sifuna and a delegation of allies met with Registrar John Lorionokou, who reportedly agreed to review the earlier decision. Days later, the ORPP approved the LINDA Party’s registration.